Vehicle lift



Dec. 5, 1933. w. N. ToDD VEHICLE LIFT Filed June 6, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet l IIN/elli Vzllal/z llZTaJd By orlw Dec. 5, 1933. Y W Nl TODD 1,938,550

VEHICLE LIFT Filed June 6, 1953 4 sneets-shet 2 w Invenor William Todd W. N. TODD VEHICLE LIFT Dec. 5, 1.933.

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 6, 1933 "la, man@ Deca 5, 1933. w N TODD 1,938,550

VEHICLE LIFT Filed June 6, 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 [Inventor W'IIaI/M Tink! Patented Dec. 5, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE VEHICLE LIFT William Newman Todd, Portland, Maine, as-

signor to The Portland Company, Portland, Maine, a corporation of Maine Application June 6, 1933. Serial No. 674,525

27 Claims. (Cl. 2541-93) My invention relates to an improvement in other. Since these members are xed, they usulifts and particularly those of the type that raises ally do not clear such moving parts as brake rods a vehicle and maintainsit at a convenient workand other connections, nor provide for contact ing height with access to the under portions of with any four points best suited for lifting the the chassis for lubrication, repair or adjustment. diierently designed automobiles, nor permit the 60 Such lift adaptations for use with automobiles vehicle to be easily driven over the device to pohave become increasingly popular for use in llsition it thereon without interference. ing orlservice stations or garages, but certain I solve the problem by providing a novel cradifculties and faults are present in the lifts `dle for the frame which consists of four generlo now in use or indicated in the former art. One ally radial arms. Each pair of arms adapted 65 such difficulty has been that since these lifts are to support one end of the vehicle is preferably essentially an elevator of usual hydraulic type connected together so as to be simultaneously with a vehicle supporting or head member, the adjustable to reach suitable contact points of the piston or plunger is inherently rotatable in the' frame of the vehicle. With this construction the cylinder unless it is confined or otherwise movement of one arm will correspondingly move 70 secured. the arm to which it is connected for movement in some plunger hydraulic lifting units such symmetrically with reference to a central median as jacks or barber chairs, it is advantageous to line. If desired, all four arms may be geared or have the head readily rotatable at all times when linked together or each arm may be left to be desired. In elevators with iixed entrance openseparately adjusted or preferably geared or 75 ings, rotation is always undesirable and means linked in opposite pairs. are therefore provided in the guide rails to pre- The concept of individual supporting arms vent such motion. In vehicle lifts according to swung from a central head involves a serious my concept, rotation may or may not be desiraproblem if the head is to be of small transverse ble according to lift location or to the service area.v The leverage of said arms under the s0 rendered to the raised vehicle. weight of a heavy vehicle like a car is a serious It is frequently, if not usually impossible or factor and aggravated by the diilcu'lty of getinconvenient to align 4a car with a xed lift supting anythinglike balance of the car weight relport. I contemplate available rotation to make ative to the central vertical plunger axis. My 3o the driving on of the car easy at any reasonconcept provides for a cradle construction in 85 able angle of approach. For driving off the car which the arms, even though preferably pivoted may be swung or reversed so that my lifts may oil center of the plunger axis, as will be debe used as turntables for many circumstances scribed, may be linked together to equalize any and in many locations where the old non-rotatunbalanced weight of the car as it rests on the able lift would be inadequate and diicult to use. arms of the cradle. This linking as will be later 90 One of the features of my invention is control described is preferably effected by a cover plate of the inherent rotation that the owner of such in which the arm pivots are held so as to be able an installation may have the full em'oyment, of to swing each on its own pivot, but so connected the advantages of each type or that the .same as to impart as great strength as' if they were 4o type of lift may be used under any locational continuous across the axis of the head and ver- 95 restriction. tical supporting stem or plunger.

The reconstruction of the frame at the top Another feature of my concept is that the arms of the elevator plunger for supporting a vehicle 0f the Cradle may be in their Outer DOI'JOIIS bent has been the object of various attempts to meet in Slightly- This BODSI'UCOH provides Substanpractical requirements. The obvious construc- 'Gially parallel SUDDOI'DS DOIODS fOr ntacting 100 tion was to reduce the usual head platform or the vehicle frame when the arms are adjusted. car of lthe freight elevator to grooved tracks for Furthermore, when the arms are Closed wgether the automobile wheels. Another such modiat their ends they are not then parallel but precation of the usual elevator car or platform was sent a wedge shape so that when a vehicle wheel 5e to use xed parallel beams positioned to contact comes into contact with an arm it will simply 105 the chassis frame at suitable places in the manrotate the cradle sudiciently to permit the vener of the usual vehicle jack. hicle to be driven olf or over from the cradle even These devices all resemble the usual frame or in cramped or disadvantageous locations as beunder support of an elevator door in that various fore suggested. members are in iixed assembly with one an- My novel cradles may be constructed and 1-10 CAD mounted to ensure adequate strength for the radial arms by forming them with elbow trunnions which are mounted in the head or within the upper portion of the hollow piston.

While some previous vehicle lifts advocate operation at high speed, I prefer lifts as of the type which are of relatively slow movement up and down. I provide safety with simplicity preferably by using a positive control which will permit the lift to be raised and lowered at only a predetermined speed. While this positive control is of a familiar type, I position it in a novel relation so that it will always be submerged and there can be no sudden drop if there should be breakage or collapse.

My invention, therefore, provides for the elimination of the difliculties previously existing and at the same time provides adequate strength at all points.

Throughout the specification and drawings, like reference numerals are used to designate corresponding parts, and in the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a partly sectioned view of my lift showing a plunger and cylinder type of stem elevator for my vehicle cradle head, the arms being broken away.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through the head on the line 2 2, of Fig. 7.

Fig. 3 is a sectioned view of the plunger on line 3-3, of Fig. 1 showing a perforated speed control ring in plan. l

Fig. 4 is a partly sectioned plan view of my lift with the arms broken off.

Fig. 5 is a similar plan view with the link plate removed.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary partial vertical sectioned view of the upper portion of the lift.

Fig. 7 i's a similar partly sectioned view of the same at right angles to that of Fig. 6 and showing a braking means for controlling rotation.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan partially sectioned showing a preferred form of cradle arms.

Fig. 9 is a partial plan view showing the bent cradle arm and head.

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic View showing the bent arm positions, and

Fig. 11 is a diagram of car chassis relation to the bent arm cradle.

While my invention is not limited to hydraulic lifts, in usual characteristic installations according to my invention, I provide a cylinder l which may be set in the ground or through a oor or in any suitable foundation. Leading into the cylinder 1 is a fluid supply pipe 2 which may be connected with a suitable fluid supply adapted to be fed under pressure.

At the upper end of the cylinder 1 there is an enlarged annular portion 3 closed by an annular plate 4 and provided with an inner flange 5 receiving threaded tightening members 6 which press the packing ring 7 on the packing in the stuffing box 8. The lower portion of the stuffing box is formed by a ring 9 bottomed in the box bore.

From the ring 9 is extended a sleeve 10 holding the fluid control ring 11. This ring has a plurality of openings 12 which permit the fluid to pass at a predetermined rate thus ensuring positive control of the speed of the raising or lowering of the piston stem or plunger 13 as it is always submerged and placed at the best point to avoid the possibility of any air being between it and the raised stem. The plunger 13 is a hollow piston closed at its bottom end and opened at its top end. At the lower or bottom end of the stem or plunger 13 is the usual annular flange or bottom button 14. The button 14 and the ring 11 definitely limit the upward movement of the plunger 13. It also makes a convenient member for splining the piston in the casing.

A rotatable flanged top plate 17 formed to receive the trunnion portions 27 of the arms 25 rests in the upper end of the hollow plunger 13. A center bolt 20 is threaded through the plate 24a and positions the ball bearing cage 21, the face hardened bottom bearing plate 22, and the top bearing plate 23 on which rests the rotatable plate 24 in which the lower end of the elbow trunnions 27 bear. The arms 25 are formed as before explained with the elbows 26 and the trunnion portions 27 which are journaled in the upper portion of the cylinder 13 by the top and bottom bearing plates 17 and 24.

Coming now to a consideration of what may be termed the cradle or chair by which the vehicle is more directly supported, I refer particularly tothe preferred form of knee or elbow structure shown. This structure is best understood by reference to Figs. 6 and 8 and the plan views of Figs. 4 and 5.

In what may be termed the head of the lift that is, the plate 24, and all members supported thereby I mount these four knee members which are preferably castings or forgings of sturdy construction. 'I'hey are important in general com- 105 binative function as well as in preferred construction as suggested in the detailed form shown for illustrative purposes.

These cradle knees consist of two portions, that is, an arm portion 25 disposed in the hori- 110 zontal and a trunnion or vertical portion 27 connected by an angular or elbow portion 26 on which is formed an upstanding boss or hub 30 coaxial with the trunnion portion 27.

In the preferred form shown, these knee members are cast or formed in vertical division as two members, each including an arm portion and a trunnion portion. 'I'his division provides conveniently for the clamping by the arm portion of the web 40 of an H-beam having a top flange 120 41 and a bottom flange 42. 'I'he two portions of the arm 25 of the knee are tted to and clamp the web 4 0 between the flanges of the H-beam and are welded or riveted thereto.

The link plate 50 has bearings 51 which re- 125 ceive the bosses 30 on the elbow portions 26 of the arms 25. 'I'hese bosses 30 being coaxial with the trunnion portions 27 transmit and equalize all unbalanced strains on the arm portions 25 or extension H-beams.

Through the top plate 17 I provide an oil filling inlet 32. Mounted in the top and bottom bearing plates 17 and 24 is a brake shaft 33 which is formed with an eccentric 331 working -within an opening in the brake shoe 34. The brake shoe 34 is sustained on the shaft 33 by a flanged member 351. It is also confined on one side by one of the spreaders 36 indicated at 361 as slightly inset and is provided with a suitable friction surface on its contact face. Thus, the head member may be held against rotation or left free to move by adjusting the brake lever 35.

As before stated, I may employ any form of lift 0r lift stem but preferably use the hydraulic type with a vertical plunger or stem working in a cylindrical cylinder or casing. Mechanical screw, worm, or gearing might be employed in some instances, but the hydraulic type is old and standard construction for lifts. For the purposes of my invention it only needs to be guided 150 as a supporting stem by a rib 141 splined in the casing and held in its vertical reciprocation against the usual freedom of rotation which is usually common to the hydraulic lift.

The cradle or head spider for supporting the vehicle preferably lies close to the ground or floor surface. To this end the arm portions of the knees are undercut adjacent to the head for clearance on the surface plate 17 and the surrounding ring 171.

The arm portions of the knee members generally indicated at 25 are in practice made in two separate castings as before suggested. This allows for the fitting of the arm in halves as at 251 and 252 to the web 40 between the top flange 4l and the bottom flange 42.

The trunnion portion is also in two parts vertically divided on a generally central plane as 271 and 272. These may be ground for suitable contact and joined by welding or riveting as desired previous to being turned on a proper axis with relation to the elbow portion 26 which is formed as a head. One portion 261 has a cylindrical surface in which are cut gear teeth 31 while the other portion 262 is enlarged and strengthened. Centrally they have a commonv axial boss 30 for receiving the bearing 51 of the top or linking plate 50. The individual knee members are therefore extremely strong and rigid and rigidly support the H-beam 40 and in turn are sustained in the bearing of the trunnion portion 27 in the plates 17 and 24 at the top of the stem or plunger 13.

As before explained, the arms 25 and their H- beam extensions may be swung in pairs with reference to a central median line through the head, the extension H-beams 40 being bent slightly at 43 as shown in Fig. 9. This is preferably an angle of about 170 but, of course, may be varied. When in collapsed position the ends of the H- beams come together positioning the two cradle arms of the pair as sides of an elongated diamond over which a car may be easily driven. When spread apart at normal distance the outer or bent ends of the H-beam come into substantial parallelism or the arms may be swung still further apart to a point where the beam ends are slightly divergent. This provides for a considerable range of selective contact of the cradle arms with the car axle or other part to be supported.

The angular adjustment of the cradle arms is a very important and practical feature. In the use of the lift in varied types of service this angular adjustment of the arms also combines with the potential rotation of the head to give a wide range of combined possibilities in use. The angle between the arms 25 when the extension ends are together as in full lines in Fig. 9 is preferably about 16 or 8 angle to the center or median line M. M. When the arms are opened out to bring the H-beam extensions parallel the arms 25 are at an included angle of about 62 or at an angle of 31 to the median line M. M. These angles may, of course, be considerably varied and are only mentioned as illustrative.

In Fig. l0 I have indicated characteristic ranges of angular separation and adjustment, the arrows indicating the movement of the parts both as to separation of the arms and rotation of the head. From this it will be seen that a car may be driven on or off the cradle from a variety of positions which in ordinary installations would be diicult and disadvantageous, if not impossible. It is to be borne in mind that installations of this sort as at service stations are usually more or less blocked oif by cars, pumps, air connections, or other service devices or by cars waiting service. The approach o! the ordinary lift is therefore restricted usually to a single advance way between other vehicles and the approach may be and usually is made at other than a straight line. The vehicle approaching the lift .therefore is apt to do so with front wheelsv turned to greater or less extent. The wide range of approaching possibilities is eiected by the two factors before mentioned. In the first place,v

the arm pairs may be collapsed to the narrow lozenge form shown in Fig. 9 or the entire cradle may be rotated with the head under the control of the brake and with reference to the guided non-rotatable plunger or supporting stem. When it is desired to drive the car from the lift when it has been lowered, the lift may be used as a turntable to swing the car to any desired position including a position in reverse from that in which it was driven on.

In driving a car over the cradle arms the contact of any wheel with the bent outer ends of the H-beam simply has the effect of collapsing the beam or rotating the head if the brake is released, or both. In this way in driving over the cradle cars approaching from different angles and sometimes none vtooskillfully steered will simply tend to center the cradle with reference to the chassis axis instead of bringing up against the arm as a fixed obstruction. When positioned over the cradle arms with a reasonable central relation to the central stem or axis, the arms may be adjusted so that their upper flanges 41 will line. up with available surfaces of axle A or other contact areas on the car as in Fig. 11. When so adjusted the car of which the frame is indicated at F, the wheels W and axles A is elevated by the stem to any desired position. In

such position even though its centering relation with regard to the stem be considerably off, the unbalanced elements of the load are transmitted between the arms and the arm pairs by the link plate 50 and the vehicle is thus rmly sustained. The preferred control valve system as indicated makes the elevation of the car safe while Work is being done on it even without additional safety devices.

In working on a car so positioned on one of my cradles as in Fig.`11 it becomes immediately apparent that I have provided for a maximum of accessibility to all the lower or under parts of the car. The cradle constructed as indicated has entrant angular spaces both at the ends and sides all the way from the outer portion to the head itself. As the head is very little larger than the stem or plunger itself and as approach can be made from either side or'either end, all parts even at the very center of the car are within easy reach of the mechanic. In spite of these wide areas of access the vehicle is in stable support on the cradle through the rigid bearing of the cradle arms and through the distribution of unbalanced stresses and strains between opposite cradle members.

The wide range of advantages and useful possibilities of lifts in accordance with my invention are too numerous to discuss, but will be obvious to those familiar with the servicing of cars in connection with such lifts. 'Ihe structures above described and indicated are simple and capable of inexpensive and convenient engineering to meet the wide range of demands made upon such a device. These various possibilities of equivalents or substitutions will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The elements of lifts in accordance with my invention enter into various possible combinations in whole or in part and for these I seek protection individually and collectively.

What I therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

1. Ina vehicle lifting device, a fixed guide, a lift stem non-rotatably mounted in said guide, means for raising the stem, a rotatable head on the upper end of said stem, contact arms pivoted in said head and adjustable thereto, and means for holding the head against rotation relative to said lift stem.

2. In a vehicle' lifting device. a fixed guide, a lift stem non-rotatably mounted in said guide, means for raising said stem vertically in said guide, a rotatable head on the upper end of said stem, vehicle contact members mounted in the head, braking means for holding the same in any position against rotation relative to said stem.

3. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed guide, a lift stem non-rotatably mounted in said guide, means for raising said stem verticallyin said guide, a rotatable head on the upper end of said stem, vehicle contact members adjustably mounted in the head, braking means on the head for holding it against rotation relative to said guide.

4. In a vehicle lift of the class described, a cradle support for the vehicle frame, comprising a head, a plurality of arms each pivoted at an end to said head on spaced centers symmetrically disposed with reference to the central axis of rotation of said head and connected in opposite pairs for equal movement relative to a median line passing through the center of said head and adapted to lie in the central vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle when disposed over said cradle support.

5. In a vehicle lift of the class described, a cradle support for the vehicle frame comprising a rotatable head, a plurality of arms each pivoted at an end to said head on spaced centers symmetrically disposed with reference to the central axis of rotation of said head and connected in opposite pairs for equal movement relative to a median line passing through the axis of rotation of said head and adapted to lie in the central vertical longitudinal plane of the vehicle when disposed over said cradle support.

6. In a vehicle lift of the class described, a head, opposite pairs of substantially horizontal cradle arms having rotatable bearing in said head, said arms being linked together at their centers of rotation in said head whereby unbalanced strains on said horizontal arms distributed across said head in relatively supporting relation to each other.

7. In a vehicle lift of the class described, a rotatable head, opposite pairs of substantially horizontal cradle arms having rotatable bearing in said head, said arms being linked together at their centers of rotation in said head whereby strains on said horizontal arms are distributed across said head in relatively supporting relation to each other.

8. In a vehicle lift of the class described, a head, opposite pairs of knees each comprising a substantially horizontal cradle arm and a vertical trunnion member having bearing in said head, said knees being linked together at their centers of individual rotation in said head whereby unbalanced strains on said horizontal arms are distributed across said head in relatively supporting relation to each other.

9. In a vehicle lifting device, a central lift stem, a substantially cruciform support comprising adjustable members in opposed pairs connected for simultaneous adjustment relative to a bisecting median adapted to lie longitudinally of a vehicle when positioned thereon, whereby open ended and open sided support is provided providing free access to the lower part of a vehicle body when supported thereon. y

10. In =a vehicle lifting device, a central lift stem, a supporting cradle mounted thereon and having entrant angular openings at both sides and ends and vehicle contact portions disposed between the openings, whereby the posterior portions of thev vehicle are accessibly exposed when in elevated position.

11. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed casing cylinder, a source of fluid pressure in communication therewith, a piston mounted in said cylinder, means for non-rotatably guiding said piston vertically in said casing, a head on said piston upper end, contact lift arms pivoted in said head and adjustable to produce desired angular disposition thereof.

12. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed casing cylinder, a source of fluid pressure in communication therewith, a piston mounted in said cylinder, means for non-rotatably guiding said piston vertically in said casing, a rotatable head on said piston upper end, contact lift arms pivoted in said head and adjustable to produce desired angular disposition thereof.

13. In a vehicle lifting device, a xed casing cylinder, a source of fluid pressure in communication therewith, a piston mounted in said cylinder, means for non-rotatably guiding said piston vertically in said casing, a rotatable head on said piston upper end, and vehicle supporting devices connected to said head and adjustable to produce desired angular disposition thereof.

14. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed casing cylinder, a source of fluid pressure in communication therewith, a hollow piston mounted in said cylinder, means for non-rotatably guiding said piston vertically in said casing, a head ro.. tatably mounted in said piston upper end, con. tact arms on said head and adjustable to produce desired angular disposition thereof and means for operatively connecting said arms in pairs for simultaneous movement thereof.

15. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed casing cylinder, a source of fluid pressure in communication therewith, a hollow piston mounted in said cylinder, means for non-rotatably guiding said piston vertically in said casing, a rotatable head on said piston upper end, contact arms pivoted in said head, and means for operatively interengaging said arms in pairs for simultaneous move` ment thereof.

16. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed casing cylinder, a piston mounted in said cylinder, means for non-rotatably guiding said piston vertically in said casing, a rotatable head on said piston upper end, contact arms adjustably mounted in said head and interengaging segments on the head end of the arms for simultaneous movement thereof in pairs.

17. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed guide, a hollow ended stem non-rotatably mounted in said guide, a rotatable head supported in the upper end of said stem, a vehicle support on said head, a brake member carried by said head within said stem, and means for engaging said member with said stem.

18. In a vehicle lift, a hollow stem, a head, supporting arms on said head having angular extensions lodged Within said hollow stem, whereby vertical stress of unbalanced loads exerts horizontal stress constrained by said hollow stem.

19. In a vehicle lift, a hollow stem, a head, supporting arms on said head having angular ex tensions lodged within said hollow stem and means to sustain said angular portions therein.

20. In a vehicle lift, a hollow stem, a head, supporting arms on said head having angular extensions lodged within said hollow stem, means to sustain said angular portions therein, and means permitting free rotation of said head.

21. In a vehicle lift, a hollow stem, a head, supl porting arms on said head having angular. extensions lodged within said hollow stem, a plate within said hollow stem, and bearings between said plate and said head permitting free rotation of said head.

22. In a vehicle lift, a hollow stem, a head, supporting arms on said head having angular extensions lodged within said hollow stem, a plate within said hollow stem, means to sustain said angular portions in said head, means permitting free rotation of said head, and a member adapted to hold said head against rotation.

23. In a vehicle lift, a xed guide, a lift stem mounted in said guide, means for raising said stem vertically in said guide, a rotatable head, a vehicle supporting member adjustably mounted in the head, and a brake on said head within said stem holding the head against rotation relative to said stem.

24. In a vehicle lift, a fixed guide, a lift stem mounted in said guide, means for raising said stem, and means for positioning the lift relative to the vehicle including a rotatable head on the stem and members substantially centrally pivotec'l in said head and lodged within said stein to permit desired angular disposition thereof, and adapted to rotate with the head to proper vehicle supporting position.

25. In a vehicle lift, a fixed guide, a lift stem mounted in said guide, means for raising said stem, and means for positioning the lift relative to the vehicle including a rotatable head on the stem and members substantially centrally pivoted in said head and lodged within said stem to permit desired angular disposition thereof, and adapted to rotate with the head to proper vehicle supporting position, said members being adjustable relative to a bisecting median through the axis of rotation of the head to adapt the lift to cars of varying widths.

26. In a vehicle lifting device, a fixed guide, a lift stem non-rotatably mounted in said guide, means for raising the stem, a rotatable head on the upper end of said stem, contact arms pivotally mounted in said head and adjustable thereto, said contact arms having inturned portions adapted to be substantially parallel when said arms are in vehicle supporting position.

27. In a head for 'vehicle lifts, contact arms pivotally mounted in the center zone of said head to permit said arms to be opened to produce desired angular disposition thereof, said lift arms having inturned portions adapted to be substantially parallel when in vehicle supporting positions.

WILLIAM NEWMAN TODD. 

